I READ with sadness the letter from a reader regarding the loss of her beloved cat. I know how she felt as I too am a great animal lover and indeed have over the years lost cats the same way.

Little did I realise after reading the letter of the tragedy to come, only the very next day.

I was playing with my five-year-old German Shepherd in a field close to where we live. He had lost his ball in some undergrowth and found a stick. He was overjoyed as he knew I didn't like him playing with them and he proceeded to run around with me haplessly chasing him. How I laughed at 52kg of long-haired fluff racing past cheekily.

He finally dropped it and, with his huge brown eyes, begged me to throw it. Just once, I told him then it's home for treats.

What a huge mistake: he caught it awkwardly and 14 inches of stick pierced his throat and chest cavity severing his artery.

He ran to me and I gently pulled out the stick and got him to lie down. I cradled him in my arms watching him slowly bleed to death. When the vet arrived we got him into the car and drove the half a mile to Holmer vets, to no avail. He died from massive blood loss. I have lost my best friend and soul mate, he was mummy's beautiful big boy and I am devastated.

The purpose of this letter? All dog owners beware of sticks, they look harmless, they are not.

A freak accident has left me heartbroken and traumatised at watching my boy die in my arms. Please learn from this lesson, and buy your beloved pet a proper dog toy.

I would also like to thank Rachael in particular and also Will from Holmer Veterinary Centre for their efforts to save him and the reassurance they have given me that I just could not of done any more to save Jerry.

HELEN GWYNNE, Queensway, Hereford.